segregate

USAGE SUMMARY

'segregate' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used in the sense of separating or isolating, as in the following example sentence: The children were segregated into two groups according to age.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

At Saltley, inspectors said: "Some staff segregate themselves into groups based on their religious beliefs and this has not been addressed with sufficient urgency by leaders".

The Guardian

Chicago's special problems were born in the 1950s when local politicians, including the mayor, Richard J. Daley, began to use public housing to segregate the city's rapidly growing black population.In this section High-rise brought low at last Excessive force HMOs, the new nasties To the hustings The sky flashed A fight to the death?

The Economist

The same month the conservative mayor of Tehran, supported by 150 MPs, announced plans to segregate male and female employees at the capital's municipality .These broadsides are aimed at pulling down a rising force [Mr Rohani]," says Muhammad Ali Shabani, a political analyst in Tehran.

The Economist

The EU has rejected American proposals to segregate and label hormone-treated beef; it claims there are gaps in the scientific evidence of the beef's safety.Closely related to the beef dispute is the case of genetically modified (GM) foods.

The Economist

Regulators also did not force banks to keep full capital on hand for off-balance-sheet vehicles, because to do so would've frustrated the very purpose of them: to legally segregate risky assets from the depository.

The Economist

A radical Shia leader, Muqtada al-Sadr, promised to stand "arm in arm" with Sunnis to "defend Adhamiya and other districts where [the Americans] want to segregate us", even though his Mahdi Army militia have often attacked Baghdad's Sunni communities.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

The town has built several housing projects to de-segregate Roma communities, as well as an education centre, complete with a kindergarten, which runs adult literacy courses.

The Economist

But there is no socio-economic diversity at all.Perhaps because there is so much space in America, and people move around so much, neighbourhoods self-segregate more than anywhere else I know.

The Economist

As I recall, I initially saw a post somewhere referring to the "excitement around RedState" as a conservative forum where liberals could actually participate as well, so I headed over to check it out.People have been worried for years that the internet increases partisanship because discussion groups tend to self-segregate.

The Economist

The move unnerved civil rights campaigners in the a deeply segregated stated with an ugly history of voter intimidation.

The Guardian

When every mosque, temple, synagogue, church, chapel and gurdwara wants its own free school, what hope have we for a national education system that integrates rather than segregates?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For formal writing, consider whether "segregate" is the most precise term. Synonyms like "separate", "isolate", or "distinguish" might be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning.

Common error

While both imply setting apart, "segregation" often carries connotations of enforced separation and inequality. Avoid using it when simply describing a neutral act of separation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "segregate" is as a verb, indicating the action of separating or setting apart. Ludwig shows many examples of its usage in describing the separation of groups, assets, or concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "segregate" is a verb that means to separate or set apart. As evidenced by the examples analyzed by Ludwig, it is commonly used in contexts ranging from social policies and political discussions to scientific and technical descriptions. Ludwig AI confirms the word is correct and usable in written English. When using "segregate", it's important to be aware of its potential negative connotations, particularly its historical association with discrimination. Consider related terms like "separate" or "isolate" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The word appears in News & Media and Encyclopedias most frequently, indicating a neutral tone is generally appropriate. Understanding its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and potential for misinterpretation are crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

separate

This is a direct synonym, indicating a physical or conceptual division.

divide

A broad term for creating separate groups or sections.

isolate

Implies setting something or someone apart from others, often for protective or experimental reasons.

discriminate

Suggests unfair treatment based on group affiliation, adding a negative connotation.

segregation

This is the noun form of "segregate", referring to the state of being separated.

set apart

Emphasizes distinctiveness and uniqueness, rather than just division.

set aside

Implies reserving something for a specific purpose, thus separating it from general use.

partition

Indicates a division into parts or sections, often with physical barriers.

compartmentalize

Suggests dividing something into distinct categories or compartments, often for organizational purposes.

differentiate

Emphasizes identifying differences between items, which may lead to separation.

FAQs

How is "segregate" used in a sentence?

"Segregate" can be used to describe the act of separating people, things, or ideas. For example, "The school used to "segregate" students based on race."

What are some alternatives to using "segregate"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "separate", "isolate", or "distinguish" instead of "segregate".

What does it mean to de-"segregate" something?

To de-"segregate" means to end the practice of separating people, especially based on race. It implies undoing a system of separation.

Is there a difference between "segregation" and "discrimination"?

"Segregation" is the act of separating, while "discrimination" involves unfair treatment based on group affiliation. Segregation can be a form of discrimination, but not all separation is discriminatory.